Psychosocial profiles result from the interaction between social and psychic factors and their influence on behavior. This study aimed to identify and describe psychosocial profiles of women with HIV attended at a specialized service in Southwestern Paraná, through cluster analysis with sociodemographic, clinical, and emotional variables. Cross-sectional study (CAAE 22273419. 4. 0000. 0107) with women over 18 years old using antiretroviral therapy (ART). Socioeconomic, demographic, health, and lifestyle data were collected. The DASS-21 scale assessed symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. SPSS 22. 0 was used for statistical analysis. Cluster analysis was based on: age, BMI, total monthly income, time on ART, and scores of the DASS-21 subscales. Eighty-nine women were interviewed, the majority self-declared white (61. 1%), with a mean age of 46. 91 years (± 12. 27). Most were married (35. 6%), with a mean income of R 2, 980. 60 (± R 1, 871. 04). The mean time on ART was 9. 64 years (± 6. 08), ranging from 1 to 22 years. More than half (54. 4%) were diagnosed between 2019 and 2024. All used the regimen TDF + 3TC + DTG (Dolutegravir 50 mg + Lamivudine 300 mg + Tenofovir – Tenofovir disoproxil 300 mg or Tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 42. 0% (95% CI: 32. 3–52. 5), of anxiety 47. 7% (95% CI: 37. 6–58. 0), and of stress 38. 6% (95% CI: 29. 1–49. 0). The K-means clustering identified three psychosocial profiles: the first (n = 20) showed greater clinical and socioeconomic stability, with lower psychological distress; the second (n = 24) showed greater clinical and nutritional vulnerability, possibly for being in the initial phase of coping with HIV; the third (n = 16) stood out for high emotional burden, with higher scores of depression, anxiety, and stress, suggesting greater psychosocial fragility. A high prevalence of psychological distress was found among the participants, with emphasis on a group with intense symptoms, indicating the need for urgent psychosocial actions. The clusters revealed different levels of adaptation and vulnerability, with social vulnerability as an additional risk factor for worsening mental health.
Bregonde et al. (2026) studied this question.